Winner's Circle Network with Lou Tice - Aging and Control

[Guest guest]

Winner's Circle Network with Lou Tice - " Aging and Control "

What does a sense of having control over your life have to do with

successful aging?

When we enter the last phase of life, we experience certain losses that

can't really be avoided. However, having a sense of control over our lives

is a very important factor in how successfully we age.

An important study by Harvard researchers, conducted in a nursing home, is a

case in point. One group of residents took charge of their daily living

activities, including dressing, eating, personal hygiene and maintaining

their own environments. A second group had all these functions taken care of

for them by staff.

Results indicated that those in the first group were more alert, active and

happier. 18 months later, 15% of that group had died, compared to 30% of the

second group.

You see, the opportunity to make choices increases our sense of personal

power and control. While folks who are older deserve our love, attention and

support, the more we take over the business of living for them, the more

they will come to need our help. The less they will be able to do for

themselves, the faster their decline into helplessness.

So don't let a well-intentioned but misguided desire to be helpful tempt you

to take over for your friends and relatives who are older. Instead, support

their efforts to take care of themselves and you will be empowering them to

live longer, happier lives.

Lou Tice

The Pacific Institute

Blessings,

Charlene

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